'The Rocky Horror Show' review: You can join in the fun— or just enjoy the show

Jason Meehan Christopher Timson, left, Jennifer Bowles and Chris Hall in the ReVision Theatre production of "The Rocky Horror Show."

They’re asking for it.

At ReVision Theatre in Asbury Park, the game cast of “The Rocky Horror Show” comes onstage, yells to the crowd “Gimme an R! Gimme an O!” — and continues the request right through C, K and Y.

And the crowd is only too happy to shout the letters back.

Crackerjack director Thomas Morrissey knows what he’s doing. He’s telling his audience, “Yes — just in case you were worried or wondering, audience participation is not only allowed but encouraged.”

“The Rocky Horror Show” was the first “so-bad-it’s-good” musical, paving the way for “Little Shop of Horrors” and later musicals that were genuine horrors. (“Rocky” at least gets literary points by keeping the Greek myth of Damocles alive, naming one of its songs for him.)

And getting the crowd involved has been the “Rocky” raison d’etre since those midnight showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” — the film based on the musical — began in the late ’70s. To yell out a description of Brad Majors’ status or Janet Weiss’ sex life has been de rigueur at screenings of the film, which has been playing in limited release for more than 35 years.

But don’t worry. If you haven’t caught the show in all that time and remain unfamiliar with the bits of the show in which the audience, by long custom, takes part, at ReVision you’ll find a very helpful screen high above the action, projecting instructions.

Those who prefer to simply listen will have a great time too.

The Asbury Park crowd is so devoted it should be on the payroll. Audience members grab the props that ushers dispense — rice to be thrown at the wedding that Brad and Janet attend and a little flashlight to light when the couple remarks that “There’s a light over at the Frankenstein place.” This show could be over in less than an hour and 40 minutes — but the audience’s comments and catcalls push it beyond two hours.

For the uninitiated: Brad and Janet, two straight arrows, wander into that castle, where they meet Frank N. Furter, a cross-dresser engaged in creating, from scratch, an attractive muscle man as his lover.

Chris Hall is a splendid Furter, the not so sweet transvestite. Considering the way Hall contorts his mouth around his lyrics, it’s a wonder the glitter in his lipstick doesn’t fly off. The real miracle, however, is how he can walk (let alone dance) in those towering heels.

Jennifer Bowles is deliciously daffy as Janet and Christopher Timson is beautifully square as Brad. Furter’s lackeys shine as well — Jesse Wildman, an ideal Columbia, has a delightfully squeaky voice. Hernando Umana makes Riff-Raff his own special creation and doesn’t rely on aping what Richard O’Brien did in the film.

Blake Evan Sherman is fun as Brad’s friend Dr. Scott. When he comes on, the audience, to honor his surname, pelts the stage with Scott toilet tissue.

So it’s not classic. But it is fun. The lines with which Riff-Raff introduces “The Time Warp” prove to be good advice to theatergoers — “Time is fleeting.”

Both the players and the participatory audience will have to take their final bows on Nov. 13.The Rocky Horror Show

Where: ReVision Theatre, Carousel House, 700 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park

When: Through Nov. 13. Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. Special midnight showings on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13 (in lieu of the matinee).
How much: $15-$45. Call (732) 455-3059 or visit revisiontheatre.org